A Case Report of Falciform Ligament Appendagitis

Abstract

Falciform ligament appendagitis is an extremely rare form of intra-abdominal focal fat infarction. It usually presents with vigorous abdominal pain and mimics other more common acute abdominal pain-associated diseases. Better recognition of this entity avoids misdiagnoses and unnecessary surgical treatment. We present the case of a 73-year-old woman admitted to the emergency department for abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. She had a fever and a diffuse tender abdomen with upper right quadrant pain. Laboratory investigation showed leukocytosis and high C-reactive protein. CT revealed a heterogeneous increased density of fat adjacent to the falciform ligament. Falciform ligament appendagitis was diagnosed and antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment resulted in complete recovery. This case highlights the need to raise awareness and better recognize falciform ligament appendagitis to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions.